Mātāwai
New Zealand · Oceania
About Mātāwai
Matawai is a very small settlement on State Highway 2 in the Gisborne Region of New Zealand. It is on the upper reaches of the Motu River, which flows into the eastern Bay of Plenty, and is about half-way between Gisborne and Opotiki.
Mātāwai travel guide
Understand
With a population less than 100, Matawai is a very small village. Despite its size it's a popular destination for mountain bikers, kayakers and other adventurers. This is because the start of the Motu Road Trail and the Motu River are nearby.
Do
Matawai is a great summertime destination & if you visit, it's worth venturing a little further out to Motu where you can see the great Motu Falls, kayak along the river or bike the Motu Trails.
1 Manganuku Track. A 4 hour tramping track to the Manganuku Hut (a basic 6 bunk hut). The track follows the Manganuku Stream. (updated Apr 2026) Motu Road Trail. A 67km cycle trail on the first vehicle road to Gisborne, which was first used in 1915. (updated Apr 2026)
Eat
Dining in Matawai is very limited with only day time cafes.
Hard Drive Cafe Matawai Camp Store
Sleep
Matawai Camp 1 Manganuku Campsite. 20 pitch non-powered DoC campsite with flush toilets and water from a stream. (updated Apr 2026)
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.